Ontario Premier Doug Ford insists the province remains strong despite his snap election call, even as U.S. President Donald Trump imposes tariffs on Canadian goods. Opposition leaders, however, argue that Ford has abandoned Ontario at a critical moment.
On Saturday, Trump followed through on his tariff threats, imposing a 25 per cent duty on most Canadian goods and a 10 per cent tariff on energy exports. Earlier that day, Ford had warned of impending economic hardships if the tariffs became reality.
Ford, who dissolved the provincial parliament on Tuesday, has justified the Feb. 27 snap election as a necessary step to secure a fresh mandate and allocate tens of billions to support Ontarians in the face of trade uncertainty. However, opposition parties claim the election is politically motivated and will cost taxpayers up to $189 million.
Speaking at a campaign stop in Brampton, Ont., Ford defended his decision:
“It’s going to give us more strength, more certainty because right now the only thing certain with President Trump is uncertainty. A four-year strong mandate gives us more leverage in negotiations.”
Ford spoke as if the tariffs were already in effect, even though they had not been finalized at the time of his remarks.
Trump has specifically targeted Ontario’s auto sector, claiming he does not want Canadian-made cars and prefers manufacturing to remain in the U.S. During his first presidency, Trump negotiated the current U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade agreement, which heavily involved automotive production. Now, he wants to dismantle that deal.
“The coming weeks and months will be some of the toughest we’ve ever faced,” Ford warned. “Companies’ orders will slow down, shifts will be reduced, and jobs will be lost.”
Ford’s critics argue that his snap election call is an opportunistic move to capitalize on favorable polling numbers ahead of the federal election. They accuse him of using Trump’s tariff threats as a pretext for seeking re-election.
“A premier doesn’t quit his job when we’re being plunged into a crisis like this. He decided to quit, and I’m running to fight for every single job in this province.”
“He’s been caught off guard and is not doing his job. This is a time of real threat, not a time of opportunity for himself.”
Crombie also unveiled her campaign bus, featuring messages attacking Ford’s record on healthcare:
“2.5 million people have no family doctor”
“11,000 people died waiting for surgery last year”
“This is Doug Ford’s Ontario.”
Ford maintains that, despite campaigning, he remains in charge as Premier and plans to make two trips to Washington, D.C., in February, funded by the PC Party.
When asked if his economic action plan to counter tariffs would take effect before the election, Ford avoided specifics but implied it would proceed if re-elected.
His plan includes a $22-billion stimulus package focused on infrastructure investment, which Ford has pledged to implement regardless of Trump’s policies.
Meanwhile, Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner spent the weekend door-knocking in Kitchener, supporting his deputy leader’s campaign.
As the Feb. 27 election approaches, Ontarians face political uncertainty and economic threats, with both Ford’s leadership and the province’s trade future hanging in the balance.